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More and more people are realizing how important good health is these days, particularly due to the pandemic that is sweeping across the globe. Eating right, getting enough rest, and exercising are some of the things a person has to do in order to stay fit. Unfortunately, not everyone can squeeze in enough time for a good workout due to the nature of their job. This is where innovation steps in.
Imagine reading emails, creating a report, and doing your research while you’re exercising at the same time on your chair. This is what the DeskCycle Under Desk Pedal Exerciser does for you. It allows you to get your much-needed exercise while you are busy doing something else at the same time. This compact piece of exercise equipment puts a new meaning to multi-tasking.
Are Under Desk Cycles Effective?
Ergonomics isn’t just about helping you improve your posture or avoiding any muscle strain on your upper body. In fact, a huge part of it is keeping the blood moving freely through your body by keeping you active.
With an under-desk exerciser, you’ll be able to stay active by cycling without even leaving your office chair. As long as the pedal height is compatible with your desk, you’ll be able to keep your legs, feet, and knees from feeling fatigued and sore all day. They stimulate real-life walking or cycling for people who can’t afford to leave their office for a reasonable price.Â
For more information on the best products on the market, take a look at our guide on the best under-desk bikes here. We include highly-praised options such as the Cubii, DeskCycle 2, and others.
Can You Lose Weight With a Desk Cycle?
Because of their growing popularity, under-desk cycles have been the topic of many studies that aim to get to the bottom of one question: can you lose a significant amount of weight with regular use of these cycles? What exactly are the health benefits to be gained when using this apparatus? Luckily, the evidence is clear. Although the significance of the weight lost by the average under-desk cyclist may or may not be enough for your fitness goals, several studies have shown that daily use does in fact help one lose weight.
In a study published the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, people who worked in an office were given 16 weeks to regularly use a desk bike. The researchers noted a few important variables, including the participants’ weight, total fat mass, body fat percentage, and even the waist measurement. They also took note of the resting heart rate of each participant as well as the performance outcome.
It was quickly discovered that users can lose an average of 500 calories in a week by pedaling for at least 50 minutes each day. Plenty of experts do give the advice that beginners should start with a level 1 workout. For a low-impact workout, this is a positive development. Those who can go for over 50 minutes a day on higher resistance levels can lose a higher amount of calories with regular use of an under-desk bike.
Benefits of Using an Under Desk Cycle
What if we told you there was a way to stay active without leaving your desk? Being able to exercise regularly is a must if you want to stay in the pink of health. Studies suggest that getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise can actually help boost a person’s immune system. Some of the suggested exercises to do this include yoga, walking, swimming, and biking. However, if most of your time is spent sitting idly in front of a computer screen, then getting in the needed amount of exercise can be hard to accomplish. The best advice? Get an under-desk bike.
An under-desk bike links working and exercising. It can help you get at least 30 minutes of physical activity needed to stave off certain diseases. It can also help you lose weight and keep it off without having to run to the gym to exercise. No matter how heavy your workload is, with this under-desk bike, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get your daily workout or keeping your health at its prime.
Compared to other ergonomic products, such as a standing desk, an under-desk bike has a higher energy expenditure level. Studies, including what was mentioned above, also show that investing in a deskcycle offers way plentier health benefits and potential weight loss than standing desks or simply sitting in a chair all day.
About the DeskCycle Under-Desk Bike
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Manufacturer |
DeskCycle |
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Model |
Under Desk Cycle |
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Dimensions |
24 inches x 20 inches x 10 inches |
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Product Weight |
23 lbs. |
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The original DeskCycle under-desk bike appears simple, but looks can be deceiving! As with plenty of functional ergonomic pieces, there’s more to the DeskCycle than meets the eye.Â
It’s compact and portable, making it ideal for both home use as well as the use of office workers. The tightly-built magnetic resistance offers a smooth cycling experience free of squeaky noises, one of the common issues that can plague lesser desk bikes. Pedal away without disturbing your coworkers!
Apart from this, the resistance levels of the bike are completely adjustable so you can customize the strength of each workout. People who work in front of a desk 24/7 will be able to get a low-impact workout while catching up on emails, as the DeskCycle offers a smooth pedaling motion that can keep your heart rate up without making you sweat too much. However, should you decide to use the DeskCycle as part of your home gym, you can simply choose any of the higher resistance levels which are meant to build muscle and tone the legs.
Additionally, the DeskCycle is equipped with an LCD display. Named a 5-function display, the screen allows you to view your statistics and progress. Plus, its compact pedal height makes it compatible with almost any desk of any height, similar to the Desk Cycle 2.
Another notable feature of the DeskCycle (which can also be found in its successor, the DeskCycle 2) is compatibility with standing desks. Now, you won’t have to purchase a treadmill desk just to add movement into your work day!
DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike Features
If you want an uncomplicated under desk bike, this is the right one for you. Being uncomplicated, however, doesn’t mean that it has fewer features than others in its category. This DeskCycle exercise machine actually has lots of notable features that make it simple yet effective, especially for those who hate staying stagnant while working in front of a desk.Â
In short, DeskCycle understands the common desk worker’s problem and aims to solve it with this model that comes at a modest price. That’s why the brand has incorporated a large LCD display, magnetic resistance mechanism, and bidirectional movement. With this product, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Let’s see just what features one gets when they buy this model.
Compact and Portable
The size of the DeskCycle is perfect for use under most desks, with a height of 10 inches and a maximum pedal height of also 10 inches. It can easily work with office and home desks that are as low as 27 inches, letting you pedal away without fear of bumping your knees on the bottom of your table.Â
You can use this DeskCycle bike anywhere you can sit, and it’s not just for office or work use. Want to pedal while watching TV on the sofa? You can simply move the under desk bike to where you are and pedal away, making it ideal for home use. Try it while you’re reading a book or even doing the laundry!Â
Smooth and Quiet Operation
This under desk bike is also very quiet and pedals smoothly. The smooth operation is due to the high-inertia flywheel that it has. This allows for quiet use anywhere. If you bring this to the office, you won’t have to worry about co-workers being bothered by it since it doesn’t make a sound as you pedal, letting you go about your routine without causing a disturbance. The product itself is built to withstand long use without developing a squeak.
With Large 5-Function LCD Display
Want to find out how far you’ve pedaled or how long you’ve been exercising? The LCD display of the Under Desk Bike by DeskCycle shows you not only your pedaled distance and time, but it also shows RPM, Speed, and even how many calories you burned during your workout.
Choose from the 8 available resistance settings on this bike using the LCD display. You can opt for an easy workout on days that you’re not up to the challenge or a tougher one when you want to burn off that sugary dessert you had for lunch.
The dimensions of the front end of this under desk bike helps keep it stable as you pedal along. With a 20 inch front area, you can rest assured that it will stay put and not rock as you work out.
Bidirectional Operation
Other products allow users to only pedal forward, which in itself is a good health benefit. However, the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike lets you pedal both ways – forwards and backwards. This gives you the chance to work different muscle groups compared to those with limited pedaling options to help tone the legs more effectively.
Large Pedals
Nothing breaks a good workout routine like a home-gym product that just doesn’t quite fit right. Luckily, that won’t be a problem with the DeskCycle. The pedals on this bike are wide enough for any foot size to use. What’s more, it has Velcro straps that help keep your feet securely in place. The Velcro straps are also adjustable enough to easily fit any type of shoes you wear.
Pros and Cons of the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ 8 resistance levels ✔ Uses magnetic resistance ✔ LCD display shows time, speed, distance, calories used/burned | ✘ Some models can be loud ✘ Might be complicated to assemble |
What People Are Saying About It
It’s no wonder DeskCycle is a beloved manufacturer. If you’re sick of staying sedentary your whole work life, this unit is a competent solution that allows you to up your energy expenditure. It’s small enough to be tucked under any height desk and quiet enough to have a place in a room full of office workers. Its display makes access to important information easy.
In a way, it has all the makings of a good under-desk bike. The two large pedals might be a hit or miss, but to be fair, having a larger pedal to step on might be better than smaller ones that don’t fit. There are adjustable velcro straps too that can secure one’s feet in place. Although it lacks the lower height of the DeskCycle 2, the original model is ideal if you’re simply looking at functional options and a cheaper price tag.Â
Where to Buy the the DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike
The DeskCycle is compatible with any table height, has many health benefits, and won’t be a nuisance to coworkers. What else could we ask for? If you’ve finally decided that this product is your new office companion, head on over to Amazon now for the best prices! Customer comments are also at display for your reading.
You can also find many DeskCycle items on their website, including the beloved DeskCycle 2. Â
Frequently Asked Questions
How Effective Are Under Desk Ellipticals?
There are two types of under-desk exercisers, a pedaler and an elliptical. The under-desk elliptical is essentially a miniature version of an elliptical and can work the same way. It features two steppers that mimic a walking motion.
The similarities between the two types of under-desk exercisers are apparent at first glance: they both offer physical activity in the comfort of one’s own workstation and can help the user shave off a few calories. On the other hand, there are many key differences, including range of motion, intensity levels, and size.
What is the Difference Between DeskCycle and DeskCycle2?
The DeskCycle 2 does not differ much from the original. The most notable distinctions between the DeskCycle and DeskCycle 2 are pedal height and logo, according to DeskCycle’s Frequently Asked Questions page. However, if you want an in-depth look at the DeskCycle 2 mini-exercise bike, feel free to head over to our product review for more information on its features and specifications.
